There’s something magical about a French apple pie. With its flaky pastry crust, juicy apple filling, and golden glossy top, it brings comfort and elegance in every slice. This recipe gives you all that goodness using simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a cozy treat, this French apple pie will fill your kitchen with amazing smells and warm hearts with every bite.
French Apple Pie
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 cup cold butter cubed
- 1 2/3 cups plain flour plus extra for dusting
- 1 tbsp golden caster sugar
- 1 egg beaten
Filling and Topping
- 3.8 lbs eating apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup golden caster sugar
- 1 tbsp calvados or cognac or brandy (optional)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 3 tbsp apricot jam
Optional Garnishes
- 1 tsp icing sugar to dust on top
- 1 cup whipped cream for serving
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Place flour and cold butter in a bowl. Rub together with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in sugar. Add beaten egg and mix to form a dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Peel, core, and slice apples. Place in a large bowl and toss with golden caster sugar and calvados (if using). Let sit while you prepare the crust.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out the dough and line a 9-inch pie dish. Arrange the apple slices in neat, overlapping layers inside the crust. Pour in any juice from the bowl. Brush crust edges with beaten egg.
- Step 4: Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the crust is golden and apples are soft. Let cool on a rack. Warm the apricot jam and brush over the top. Dust with icing sugar before serving.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love French Apple Pie
- Easy to follow with simple steps
- Uses fresh, everyday ingredients
- Deliciously buttery crust and soft, sweet apple center
- Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a weekend dessert
- Looks impressive but requires no fancy skills
- Can be served warm or cold
Ingredients for French Apple Pie
Main Ingredients
- Cold butter
- Plain flour
- Golden caster sugar
- Egg
- Eating apples (like Cox’s, Russet, or Granny Smith)
- Calvados, cognac, or brandy (optional)
- Apricot jam
- Unsalted butter
Optional Garnishes
- Icing sugar
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Equipment
- Oven
- 9-inch pie dish or tart pan
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Utensils
- Knife
- Peeler
- Rolling pin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork
- Spoon
Variations
- Add cinnamon: For extra warmth, sprinkle ground cinnamon into the apple mixture.
- Make it nutty: Add finely chopped walnuts or almonds on top before baking.
- Use puff pastry: For a lighter twist, replace the crust with store-bought puff pastry.
- Go rustic: Skip the top crust and make a French-style open galette instead.
- Alcohol-free: Simply skip the calvados or brandy for a family-friendly version.
- Tart flavor: Use Granny Smith apples for a tangy contrast to the sweet crust.
How to Make French Apple Pie
This recipe comes together in four easy steps. We’ll start with the pastry, move on to the apple filling, then assemble the pie, and finally bake and glaze it to perfection.
Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough
To begin with, place the flour and cold butter in a large mixing bowl. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until it looks like breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and mix well. Then, pour in the beaten egg and bring everything together into a smooth dough. If needed, add a tiny splash of cold water to help it come together. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Put them in a large bowl and toss with golden caster sugar. If you like, add a splash of calvados, cognac, or brandy for extra flavor. Set the bowl aside and let the apples soak up the sugar and flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and use it to line your pie dish. Arrange the apple slices in neat, overlapping circles, starting from the outer edge and working inward. Pour any juice left in the bowl over the apples. Brush the top of the crust edges with a little beaten egg. This helps the crust turn golden as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake and Glaze
Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for about 40–45 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the crust is golden. After baking, let the pie cool slightly on a wire rack. Meanwhile, gently warm the apricot jam in a small pan until it becomes runny. Brush the warm jam over the top of the pie for a beautiful glossy finish. Dust with icing sugar before serving, if desired.
Tips and Tricks
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge for the flakiest pastry.
- Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps prevent a soggy crust.
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Cox’s for the best texture.
- Layer the apples tightly for a full, even filling.
- Let the pie cool before slicing to keep the filling set.
How to Serve French Apple Pie
Serve this French apple pie warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. It also pairs well with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make the pastry dough a day ahead and keep it chilled. The baked pie stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to enjoy warm again.
FAQs
Can I freeze French apple pie?
Yes, once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely. If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought crust will work just fine.
What’s the best apple for French apple pie?
Granny Smith, Cox’s, or Russet apples work best because they hold their shape and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Conclusion
In the end, this French apple pie is everything you want in a dessert—comforting, elegant, and easy to make. Whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a pie pro, this recipe will guide you to delicious results. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of cozy French charm at home.
If you’re a fan of sweet and fruity desserts like this French apple pie, you’ll definitely want to try a few more irresistible treats. For a refreshing twist, the Peach Blueberry Pie is packed with juicy fruit and perfect for summer gatherings. If you’re craving something rich and indulgent, the Pecan Pie Cobbler offers a gooey, nutty experience with a golden crust. And for a decadent mashup, don’t miss the Apple Pie Cheesecake—a creamy, spiced dessert that combines the best of two classics.
French apple pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a reflection of culinary history and regional influence. Similar in spirit to the classic Apple pie found in many cultures, this French version focuses on elegance and simplicity. Its signature glossy finish often comes from Apricot jam, a staple in European baking used to add shine and sweetness. To enhance the flavor, many traditional recipes include a splash of Calvados, a French apple brandy that deepens the pie’s rich, fruity notes.